A FedEx cargo plane struck a bird Saturday as it took off from Newark Airport near New York, causing a fire in its right engine which forced it to make an emergency landing, according to local and federal officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FedEx Express Flight 3609, a Boeing 767, was taking off at 8 a.m. for a flight to Indianapolis when it struck at least one bird. Footage from witnesses on the ground showed flames shooting out of the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plane immediately turned around and declared an emergency, with air traffic at Newark briefly halted as a precaution, according to a Port Authority spokesperson. The plane landed safely at 8:07 a.m. and was met by emergency services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fire was quickly extinguished and there were no reports of injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Our B767 crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark after dealing with the resulting engine damage, including an engine fire,” a FedEx spokesperson told BNO News. “The training, expertise, and professionalism demonstrated by our FedEx pilots was exemplary. We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), confirmed that one of the engines was damaged by the bird strike. “The plane is disabled on a runway,” he said, adding that the FAA will investigate the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WATCH: FedEx Flight 3609 makes emergency landing at Newark Airport after engine catches fire pic.twitter.com\/K2uyWF1v5o<\/a><\/p>— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) March 1, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>